Ask the Comics Librarians: Small Spaces

Mayer, Shu

Shannan, Meredith. (2022, February 6). Ask the comics librarians: Small spaces. No Flying No Tights. https://noflyingnotights.com/blog/2022/02/06/ask-the-comics-librarians-small-spaces/ 

Summary:

In this article, two librarians discuss how important space is in libraries and how to most effectively display, collect for, weed, and curate small comic/graphic novel collections. They recommend shelving by book title and curating for the community rather than what is deemed 'popular' by recommended book lists. They also recommend being aggressive in weeding smaller collections since space is premium and promoting them more aggressively since less people may know it is present.

Evaluation:

Overall this is a good article for someone who is unsure where to start when setting up a new collection in a limited space. Or potentially, someone moving an existing small collection from being spread out across the library into one consolidated space. It is an article geared towards comic/graphic novel collections-- as the entire noflyingnotights website is specifically for librarians who need help with comic/graphic collections-- but the advice for smaller collections can be easily generalized. 

 Collection Development: The Basics and Beyond

 Clara Shuler

 Vnuk, R. (2015, July 22) Collection development; The basics and beyond. [Video] YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IEVL8WV73o
 

This video is a recording of a lecture by Rebecca Vnuk on the subject of the basics of Collection development, offered to MLIS graduate students and professionals as a proffessional development opportunity to fill in the gaps for those whos academic program did not give them a strong basis. It is somewhat dated in its references, but provides an excellent, broad overview of the practicalities of collection development, delivered in an an extremely personable and engaging format. It provides some sorely needed practical context for some of the more theoretical research being done on collection development practices. 

A Review of Citation Analysis Methodologies for Collection Management.

Busath, Kellie

Hoffmann, K., & Doucette, L. (2012). A review of citation analysis methodologies for collection management. College & research libraries, 73(4), 321-335.

This article reviewed how multiple institutions went about doing a citation analysis for collection development purposes. Citation analysis is reviewing the citations used by faculty at the institution to see what areas of expertise needed to be accommodated by the library. It included collecting materials that were listed in citations if they were not already acquired by the library and also collecting materials linked to the citations used. This would be done by reviewing citations and then researching what other articles or resources had used that same citation. The citations were also reviewed to spot trends in research for the institution, collecting materials that would aid in future research endeavors. The article itself was a review of the different methodologies that each institution would use for their citation analysis. It was found that many institutions did not have a set methodology, but instead, everyone at the institution would go about it a little differently. Some common things that librarians would look at when doing a citation analysis was:

1. Type of resource

2. Age of resource

3. Frequency of citation

4. Presence of resource in the library

I found this article very interesting. I had heard about doing a citation analysis, but I wasn’t quite clear on the purpose or method behind it. I learned a lot about both! Doing a citation analysis could be helpful for research institutions, depending on the goals of your library. I belong to a research institution, but our collections policy is to only collect for undergraduate curriculum so faculty research interests may or may not align with that curriculum. In addition, I am currently trying to collect for our Communications College and the faculty there do not have the same publishing requirements as the rest of the University, so it is harder to tell what their interests are. Still the methodologies in this article give good insight into doing this type of analysis for collection development.

Digitizing and 3D Printing the Collection at the Smithsonian Museum

 Escobedo, Xavier

Adam Savage’s Tested. (2019, September 2). Digitizing Objects from Smithsonian’s Enormous Collection! YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgqv-MKbogQ

https://3d.si.edu/explore

Summary

The Smithsonian has 155 million artifacts in its collection and less than 1% is ever on display. The Smithsonian is now scanning many items from their collection that would never be seen by the public, and uploading a digitized copy on their website. The public can interact with these artifacts on the Smithsonian 3D digitization page, as well as download 3D printing information so they may print the artifact with their own machine. Artifacts are digitized are by photogrammetry, structure light scanning, and with the FARO Design Scanarm, which shoots lasers to capture the geometry of an object. Educators are able to print their own replica of historical objects and use the 3D printed model for instructional purposes. Inquisitive individuals can comb through the collection and have a fun time learning about various historical artifacts. It is a great way to showcase the Smithsonian’s extensive collection that would otherwise go unseen by the public. 

Evaluation

Digitizing the historical artifacts in the Smithsonian collection further preserves the materials by making them available to the public through the internet. While some historical artifacts may eventually disintegrate, they will now be forever preserved in their digital form and may even have their replicas 3D printed for future generations. Digitizing and 3D printing are great ways for the public to interact with objects that would normally be behind a glass or stored in a warehouse. The bulk of the collection that is stored and never made available to the public now has a new breath of life and helps the museum stay relevant through online visitors.

The tools used for digitizing materials are expensive, but it would be interesting to see if other museums begin digitizing their collection for the public. 

Maybe... just maybe... those European museums could digitize and 3D print their entire collection and eventually give back all the original artifacts that were stolen. 

Pretty cool technology though, jokes aside. 

Sustainability in Library Collection Development: Introducing a Green Audit Template

Jessie Major 

Citation: 

McCord, D., Cassady, S., Roman, P., Cato, J., & Mantz, E. (2025). Sustainability in Library Collection Development: Introducing a Green Audit Template. Canadian Journal of Academic Librarianship / Revue Canadienne De Bibliothéconomie Universitaire, 11, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.33137/cjal-rcbu.v11.43852   

Summary:

This project presents an original 'Green Audit' template to determine how environmentally sustainable an academic publisher is. Publishers are judged based on environmental practices, current impact, and future commitments. A case study of 16 international publishers examines the availability of information, geographic differences, commitments and compliance, materials, transportation, and infrastructure. The results of such a Green Audit can help LIS professionals develop collections which meet sustainability goals and lower their institution's carbon footprint. 

Evaluation:

I was immediately intrigued by the idea of a 'Green Audit' for evaluating a publisher or collection's overall sustainability. I think libraries are often thought of as inherently 'green' or ecologically sustainable because providing access to resources like books cuts down on the overall material over-consumption of goods. While this may be true to some level, just being a 'more sustainable' option than individuals all buying their books does not guarantee that our overall collection is truly sustainable. I also have not come across many discussions of sustainability as it pertains to library collection development, even though environmental practices are becoming more important in other fields. I think the article overall provides an insightful, customizable evaluation technique to consider when planning collection development.

Library as an antidote to despair

Shannon Trawick

Discussion

When creating Partners in Health, an NGO dedicated to providing a medical ‘preferential option for the poor’ across the world, Dr. Paul Farmer put a little nugget of delight into his mission statement: “...serve as an antidote to despair.” When I read this, it struck me as applicable not only to needed medical treatment for the world’s impoverished, but to the impoverished level of hope, confidence, and imagination people the world over have in our current systems - political, economic, legal, environmental, etc. 

I suggest that the library, in its many forms, is an antidote to that despair.

We library workers are on the front lines of this despair in many forms, we see and interact with the full spectrum of the human condition on a daily basis and I posit that shifting our perspective on what we do as workers may help with burn out and open our minds to the help that a lot of our patrons really need. It’s not easy. I go into my two jobs everyday with the mindset that every person I encounter is at their worst - I’d rather be pleasantly surprised than disappointed. If I can, at best, give them some grace and help them solve a problem or direct them to a small antidote to their despair or, at worst, not engage with their behavior, address their issue and end the interaction, I’ve done my part and it doesn’t need to be any more than that.

I also know that it can be hard to remember how we alleviate despair since we’re in the thick of it all the time, so I’ve included some ways below that libraries do this for us and for our communities and I would encourage you to share these with anyone and everyone at any opportunity (I know I do).

In the library, there are so many antidotes to despair - and they’re all free!

• Lonely? Attend a program or three. Maybe you don’t know anything about the topic, but you’ll learn something and meet people at the same time. In many programs, you aren’t even required to interact with other people if you don’t want to.

• Un- or Underemployed? Use the free public computers connected to the internet to job search, apply for jobs, increase job skills through educational sites like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning, and search for other resources to help in your search like resume workshops (even if your library doesn’t have these, they’ll know who does).

• Are your eyes, your heart, your soul asking you to stop the endless scrolling? 

• May I introduce you to BOOKS? If we don’t have them all, we can likely get them for you at the library through Interlibrary Loans.
  If you can’t get to the library building, you can access digital books or sign up for a homebound patrons program which will deliver your desired books to you on a monthly basis. Some places will also offer Library by Mail where books are mailed to you with a return envelope.

• Why not actually touch grass? Or make it? Because the library has seeds and gardening books that will let you experience the magic of putting your hands in the dirt. I don’t know what it is, but I know it’s there.

• Has the economy hit (or never stopped hitting) your wallet?

• Can’t afford streaming services? The library has DVDs and BluRays to borrow - welcome to the 21st century Blockbuster.

• How about a place to hang out where you don’t have to buy anything to stay?

• Want to visit parks and museums in your local area? I bet the library has some kind of pass program that gets you free entrance into some of these attractions that you can ask about.

• Looking for crafts or something to keep your hands busy? Many libraries offer craft kits across all ages on a periodic basis. Also, many now have makerspaces with a variety of technology - engravers, 3D printers, sewing machines, glow forges, etc. - to up your making game.

• Need a piece of equipment for ONE thing and don’t want to buy it? Been thinking about buying something but want to make sure you’ll actually use it more than once? Check to see if your library has a Library of Things where you can check out equipment and stuff - pressure washers, sewing machines, air fryers, instant pots, canning equipment, Cricuts, games, puzzles, tools - you name it, there is probably a library that can check it out to you. We also have books to explain how to best use a lot of the stuff in the Library of Things, just ask!

There’s more, there’s always more and I hope there always will be.

To end my saccharine screed, I’m going to leave you with this quote from organizer Miriam Kaba as it encompasses the praxis of being an antidote to despair, at least in my reading of it:

“Hope is a discipline. It’s less about 'how you feel,’ and more about the practice of making a decision every day, that you’re still gonna put one foot in front of the other, that you’re still going to get up in the morning… It’s work to be hopeful. It’s not like a fuzzy feeling… you have to actually put in energy, time, and you have to be clear-eyed, and you have to hold fast to having a vision. It’s a hard thing to maintain. But it matters to have it, to believe that it’s possible, to change the world…” (Kaba, 26-27)

In what ways are your libraries an antidote to despair?

_____________

Works Cited: 

Kaba, Mariame. We Do This 'Til We Free Us : Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice. Chicago, Il, Haymarket Books, 23 Feb. 2021.

Selecting and Evaluating Reference Materials

 Dennis McCormack

Hiremath, U., & Cassell, K. A. (2023). Chapter 19: Selecting and evaluating reference materials. In Reference and information services. (pp. 3-16) American Library Association.

Summary: This textbook covers the history and standards of reference work in libraries. Chapter 19 is specifically about how to draft and follow a collection development policy. The authors argue that the collection development process begins with knowing the user base. A public library must know the demographics they will be serving, while school libraries must know the curriculum that will be covered. After librarians have an idea of who might come through their doors they must then review peer reviewed sources for the best and newest materials. Materials must be judged based on traits like currency, authority, format, & cost. Some materials work better as online resources, such as databases or catalogs. Think anything that would be unrealistic to print or would be unruly to navigate on paper. Weeding the collection is also an important part of collection development, otherwise the shelves would be filled with damaged or out-of-date books. 

Evaluation: The textbook was well written and each of the ideas flowed well into the next. I ended up citing this book in most of the classes I took this semester. I have some of the more helpful chapters downloaded and may come back to it as a resource for further courses. The authors covered a lot of ground without being bogged down by jargon or going too far into the weeds. I recommend this reading as a good jumping off point to further research in building a state of the art collection. 

Reimagining the Public Library to Reconnect the Community

Garcia, Luz

Ted (2020, March 17). Shamichael Hallman: Reimagining the Public Library to Reconnect the Community. TedxMemphis. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI2CLgq3LLk

Summary: This TED Talk was given by Shamichael Hallman, who explained how the library changed from the 1960s to 2020. Libraries provide not just books to help with reports, but also technology access, public resources, student clubs, all-age programs, and safe spaces. Libraries connect communities; they are a bridge for the many people who come in and use the resources within the library. The library needs to become a safe space for different people to use, and we, as the library, need to change and provide what the community might lack. The library needs to adapt to the community's needs by providing study rooms, first-aid classes, after-school programs, or Summer activities for students. Also, to be aware of the community the library is in, and not to let marginalized communities block others from using the safe space the library provides.

Evaluation: Hallman's statement is correct: public libraries are now the main community centers they were before. Many people from different backgrounds come to the library to use its resources to improve their situation or to participate in a library activity. This is what public libraries are for: helping the community in any way possible and providing resources they can use to improve their living situations or personal lives. Public libraries are safe spaces for the community to socialize with one another and being able to speak freely with everyone.

Archival Outreach & Repairing Community Representation and Relationships

 Paige, Kaitlyn

Source 

Luster, D. (2018). Archives Have the Power to Boost Marginalized Voices. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsNPlBBi1IE

Summary

This is a seminar given by Dominique Luster, she talks about the concept of who should control and what goes into the archives collections. She wants her listeners to think about how materials are portrayed and how they are received by a multitude of audiences. Are we as archivists taking the living people or culture out of the history and sterilizing it to make it more palatable to western peoples. Luster profoundly states, "If your history wasn’t recorded or preserved well; did you exist?" She questions the concept of who should decide what should go into the archives and how they should decide how it is portrayed to people outside the community it serves. There is an unmistakable connection between these items that were given or more often stolen from these communities that an outsider would not necessarily understand. Ultimately, the members of that community who express interest in collection materials should have a say in how these materials are brought to the light or taken back and adopted back into the communities culture. She explains that there is a power struggle between the concept of Bias vs. Privilege, this centers around colonialism and gentrification of materials in the archival collections. The last idea she brings up is the concept of who is truly the expert on these materials, their stories, and how they are being displayed if they are displayed? This centers around the direct battle between archivists and the native communities. Luster ends the discussion with a new archival theory that is racially conscience and has culturally competent practices; this includes asking questions about dis/ability, age, appearance, empowerment, ethnicity / race / nationality, gender / sex / sexuality, health and letting the community answer in a way  that creates a bridge of outreach between archivists and the communities they want to serve. When we give the power to the people and let them teach and be an active part of the archives, all parties grow, open communication flourishes, and archives become a place of true neutral ground.

Evaluation

This declaration makes one wonder if the way we have been receiving information and using martials in archives is one minded (colonial minded) and why no one has challenged this major way of gaining / labeling / displaying information in archives. Many patrons of archives and adjoining entities like libraries and museums have been fed the colonial mindset and have commonly accepted it at face value because this is the way that has always been taught for decades. It has taken up until the last 15 years for people both in the information field and underserved communities to speak up and demand the change from western to DEI / feminist practices. This starts with outreaching and open communication between the two entities. Luster practically begs the audience of archivists to ask the community how they would like to be perceived, showcased, and remembered and urges them to work with them to achieve a better received collection that gives these materials the right labels and respect in addition to giving a voice back to the communities. During this class I brought up the idea of creating a living archival collection between the John M. Pfau library and the Office of Tribal Affairs on the library’s Native American history collection. It is in reviewing the outreach between the two organizations that I can say that the library has already started the ground work. The library lets the OTA review and submit requests on materials for weeding or making new additions. This gives the Native Peoples a voice in how they would like to be perceived and a way for the tribal Elders to have an active hand in repairing the harm done by colonialism in academic archives and libraries, entities that have a long history of stealing and harming Native life. The next step in this process would have elected members from the Native community physically come into the library and become part of the team that actively participates in the collections handling and growth on a daily basis. More archives should start the practice and outreach and try to repair the damage done by the past.

Considering Building a Collection? Consider Civic Engagement First.

Joshua Chacon

Wray‐Lake, L., & Abrams, L. S. (2020). Pathways to Civic Engagement Among Urban Youth of Color. Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, 85(2), 7–154. https://doi.org/10.1111/mono.12415

Summary:

Pathways to Civic Engagement Among Urban Youth of Color by Laura Wray-Lake and Laura S. Abrams is a 154-page monograph detailing youth perspectives on civic engagement and related social and political topics. Within this text, the authors focus on civic engagement and empowerment, marginalized youth perspectives on social, cultural, and political issues, and the consistent disempowerment of youth of color within the context of a white dominated society. The monograph is extremely dedicated to exploring its single core question, which is clearly stated by the researchers: “What does civic engagement look like and how does it develop for urban youth of color living in high poverty neighborhoods?” (Wray-Lake & Abrams, 2020, p. 10). Despite the evidence of continued marginalization of minorities within Rochester, New York, and the historical context given in chapter 1, the researchers take a nondirectional approach with their thesis in order to explore factors that both hinder and promote civic engagement: Assets, opportunities, and personal experiences affect youth of color’s civic engagement and their perspectives on local and federal political and social issues.

My Comments:

The qualitative methods used in this monograph have great foundational opportunities for evaluating library services and programs. Firstly, the qualitative analysis within the monograph is a collaborative effort between youth and the researchers, often balancing conclusions and insights from both parties in order to solidify ideas. Libraries can benefit from this because it empowers youth voices, granting them weight in library decisions. Secondly, the insights given by the researchers often highlight the importance of “informal engagement.” Libraries could create spaces to explore these types of expressions and begin hosting more youth-led initiatives and activities. This could also lead to new programs that help increase and study these types of youth behaviors, learning new ways to identify the indicators “that would provide data about observable behaviors and conditions” (Wray, 2012, p. 50).

One thing to be wary about concerning this methodological approach is the limitation of sampling. Much like youth centers, libraries will have youth who are already engaged in some civic participation. This is a safe assumption considering that youth who willingly participate within civic institutions must have more motivation to be civically engaged. Libraries’ outreach strategies must tackle the participation gap by reaching out to individuals who are disconnected civic institutions.

Collections as a Service

 The article discusses the shift in libraries from owning materials to providing access to information through digital services, e-books, and shared resources. The authors argue that modern collection management focuses more on user access and flexibility than simply expanding physical collections. The article also discusses how technology, digital platforms and changing user expectations are transforming the role of librarians and collection development strategies. 

Evaluation

The article provides a strong overview of how collection management is evolving in response to digital technology and changing user expectations. One the strengths is its emphasis on access rather than ownership, which reflects the realities of modern librarianship. The authors effectively explain how libraries increasingly rely on e-books, shared collections and collaborative resource sharing to meet patron needs more efficiently. 

The article focuses on user-centered services, rather than treating collections as static holdings, the authors present dynamic systems that connect users with information quickly and effectively. This aligns with the course idea of having the library build a connection, an information hub rather than a storage space. 

Overall, the article is a valuable and relevant to collection management. 

APA: Linden, J., Tudesco, S., & Dollar, D. (2018). Collections as a service: A research library’s perspective. College & Research Libraries, 79(1), 86–99. https://crl.acrl.org/index.php/crl/article/view/16612/18463⁠

Managing Bias When Library Collections Become Data

Everett-Hayes, Lauren

Coleman, C. N. (2020). Managing bias when library collections become data. International Journal of Librarianship, 5(1), 8-19. https://doi.org/10.23974/ijol.2020.vol5.1.162

Summary

Catherine Coleman’s article addresses AI developments and how libraries should be critical of their integration into library functions, instead focusing on the ethos of what libraries do for patrons. For one, the point is brought up that AI has shown to be biased because of the nature of how it gets its data. It can only take what it can access, which is not a complete view of the information someone may try to access. The author illustrates that a collection is where library data is concentrated, and, when considering how to incorporate AI, how you access information becomes extremely more relevant (Coleman, 2020).

A core thing the author seemed to want to get across was that AI should be wielded as a tool instead of as a solution as it could help with assessing bias in collections. A current example of overarching bias are the paradoxical LOC subject headings in how they are necessary for categorizing but also cause problems through misrepresentation, racism, etc. The author also expertly speaks about how libraries are more relevant than ever with the integration of AI:

At this moment when there are as many papers about the successes of AI research as there are papers calling out algorithmic bias, data bias, and setting forth principles of AI practice, libraries need to do much more than provide curated data to AI researchers. Libraries need to apply the principles of the profession to managing bias in AI-based systems. (Coleman, 2020, p. 16)

Lastly, Coleman (2020) sums up the article perfectly with the following quote, which pairs well with her call to action that is illustrated throughout: “Libraries need what AI has to offer, but AI needs what librarians have to offer even more” (p. 16).

Evaluation

Overall, I found this article well articulated and felt that it pushed the subject on AI in libraries in effective ways that both explored how AI could help and where it has limitations. Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of things librarians have to consider regarding our library Code of Ethics, copyright, and accessibility to our collections as there is more of a push to use AI and allow it to access our collections without a leash. However, this article talks about how AI can be both a barrier and an asset that continuously needs human input and discretion. In this back-and-forth, there ends up being a lot of really great questions and points made by Coleman that gives us a lot to think about and prepare for, but also feel empowered by. I don't think we have to be afraid of AI replacing our work or making libraries obsolete. The way in which humans understand other humans and what they need will always exist through the nature of research and making connections to the scholarly conversations out there. AI might get robust enough to aid us in seeing our biases and analyzing collections on a deeper level, but I don't think we will use it to put the books on the shelf, since human patrons will always be our focus.

As an honorable mention that might be interesting to others, there is an open access book that is mentioned in this article that gives a humanistic perspective on data that I would like to note here: All Data Are Local: Thinking Critically in a Data-Driven Society

Designing and Managing Library Collections

 Rodriguez, Ariana

Wong, M. A. (2018). Designing and managing library collections. In K. Haycock & M.-J. Romaniuk (Eds.), The portable MLIS: Insights from the experts (2nd ed., pp. 137–151). Libraries Unlimited. 

Summary: 

Melissa A. Wong's chapter in The Portable MLIS: Insights from the Experts discusses the designing and maintaining of library collection and the principles and practices that drive them.  This includes the selection and deselection of materials, the evaluation of materials, and maintenance.

Evaluation: 

This chapter is a smart, brief introduction to the world of collection management. Wong goes into depth about acquiring materials with purpose and with guidance from the organization's set of policies. Each item must be of value to the collection and isn't collected for collecting's sake. I appreciate the sentiment about consistent ongoing evaluation of materials, both physical and digital. Physical items require routine maintenance for wear including taping and covering. Digital materials over time are subject to digital decay and irrelevance. It makes me think of how the floppy disk is now a relic and printing out physical directions on MapQuest is a thing of the recent past. Digital materials and resources need to be carefully considered for acquisition as their cost per use could be more in the long run. It runs the risk of outdated or broken links. Digital materials also have the potential to reach more patrons that may not be able to physically access the library. Remote patrons must be taken into consideration. Wong's points on the deselection process opened my eyes to why weeding is essential to collection management. Nobody is removing books without good reason and sometimes that reason is that the information inside is no longer accurate or relevant to a subject. All in all, collection management is an ongoing process. 

Outsourcing Technical Services in Academic Libraries

Orr, Jessica 

Michalak, R. (2023). Outsourcing Technical Services to Streamline Collection Management: A Case Study of an Academic Library’s Book Reduction Project. Journal of Library Administration, 63(5), 682–699. https://doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2023.2219604 

Summary

In this case study, Michalak examines how a small academic library reduced its monograph collection by 61 percent through outsourcing technical services to LibraryIQ and hiring temporary student workers to complete the physical weeding. The project relied on data‑driven deselection criteria, agile project‑management practices, and structured onboarding to maintain accuracy and staff alignment. The author emphasizes that outsourcing enabled the library to meet an aggressive two‑month deadline while maintaining transparency and community trust. 

Evaluation

Michalak’s case study offers a practical model for libraries facing space constraints or outdated collections. The author’s emphasis on data‑driven deselection and agile project management demonstrates how outsourcing can balance efficiency with accountability. I found the focus on transparent communication especially valuable, as it highlights the importance of maintaining community trust during large‑scale collection changes. The article also raises important questions about the long‑term impact of deselection, particularly when only a small portion of the collection is available digitally. Overall, this case study provides useful guidance for libraries navigating space limitations while acknowledging the risks and ethical considerations involved. 

New Horizons for Academic Library Collection Development: Creating a Community-Curated Collection Through Student Empowerment

 

MacRae, Alisdair

Heisserer-Miller, R., & McAlister, L. R. (2023). New horizons for academic library collection development: Creating a community curated collection through student empowerment. Journal of Library Outreach & Engagement, 3, 119–135. https://doi.org/10.21900/j.jloe.v3.1157

Summary

This article offered two interesting solutions for academic libraries to engage student, faculty, and staff users in the form of student selection projects and grants awarded for purchasing materials related to their given area of focus. Responding to declining enrollment, shrinking budgets, and the needs of marginalized users, these programs enhanced services for users while also maintaining collection development. The Kent Library at Southeast Missouri State University is not large, with five staff for every 1,000 students, and consisting of twelve librarians and eight staff. The library had operated under a collection development model driven by faculty, so librarians had very little involvement. Equating student engagement with student success, the decision was made to establish opportunities to participate in collection development. The students gladly accepted the invitation, and while faculty might not necessarily approve materials selected by students in some cases, the solutions showed how vital student participation is for academic libraries, as well as the increasing opportunities for diversity equity, inclusion, social justice, outreach, and partnerships.

Evaluation

I found this article really exciting in terms of academic library collection development. While the university at the centre of the project might seem small and perhaps not well funded, I believe these solutions could be applied at institutions of any size, and even in non-academic library settings. The literature review supported the idea of student success through engagement, but also the potential pitfalls due to inconsistent and complex methods used to engage students, and how the student collection development process was eventually selected. The authors provided data and analysis around the engagement with each opportunity for collaborative collection development. While they noted the limits of the programs due to COVID ,they were also very honest about how interest may have been bolstered through signage, posters, free candy and coffee shop gift cards, and promotional writings in the student newspaper. Promotion may be seen as critical to making the collection development projects successful rather than imparting bias given how students are busy, and may have been under the impression that they may have little input into library operations. Overall, the project did not have exorbitant costs, with $4,000 devoted to the purchase of student nominated resources between 2019 and 2020, and $7,000 for the student group grant program between 2019 and 2021. I believe the article offers a good example of connection development through its collaborative aspects, and it would be interesting to try a similar project at another library.

A.I. in the Library: Virtual Mini-Conference Explores A.I. from Different Perspectives

 

Williams, Lauren

Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is starting to creep into various aspects of our lives including in the library.  On March 9, 2026, Library 2.0 in partnership with California Libraries Learn, the California Library Association, and the California State Library put on a virtual mini conference that went over the many ways that A.I. is being used in different library settings. The three-hour event had twenty-one panels in all that spanned topics such as programming ideas using A.I., patron and staff training about A.I., useful ways to make reporting easier for staff using A.I., and much more. The event kicked off with an hour-long keynote session that made it clear that right now is the time for librarians to design A.I. policies for their institutions. A.I. is a relatively recent technology but it is growing and advancing at an alarming pace. Many institutions are facing pressure from their organizations to explore and use A.I. with the goal of efficiency.  A.I. can be a useful tool but there can be drawbacks.  To control those drawbacks better, library administrators must begin creating institutional policies about the use of A.I. Creating policies that lay down the groundwork for the appropriate use of A.I. is necessary for information institutions.  The keynote panelists presented the A.I. policy of the Toronto Public Library. The policy lays down good guard rails on the appropriate use of A.I. for the institution’s staff. The policy breaks down how A.I. is to be used while stating that the underlying principles of “[t]his policy is driven by principles as defined in the Library’s Values, Vision and Mission and in TPL’s [Toronto Public Library] Equity statement and Intellectual Freedom Statement,” (Toronto Public Library, 2025). The policy clearly states how staff can appropriately use A.I., the areas that A.I. can be used, and it describes the associated challenges of using A.I. Panelists encourage library administrators to review other institutions’ A.I. policies, like the shared Toronto Public Library’s policy, as they begin to design their own policies. The entire virtual mini conference is available online for those interested in seeing how A.I. is being used in the library. One thing is for sure, A.I. is here and libraries will need to make decisions on how it is used in their institutions effectively and responsibly.   Overall, I found the mini conference to be very engaging and enlightening.  The panels I attended really showed the possibilities of A.I. but it was clear that before jumping in completely, we need our institutions to lay down ground rules.  Our input is needed.

Library 2.0. (2026, March 9). Perspectives on AI: Exploring experiences with AI in library work [Webinar].  https://www.library20.com/miniconferences/perspectives-on-ai

Toronto Public Library. (2025, January 27). Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy. https://tpl.ca/policies-and-terms-of-use/artificial-intelligence-policy/

 

 

Inclusive Collections For Supercharged Storytimes

Varela, Tiffany 

WebJunction. (2023, December 27). Inclusive collections for supercharged storytimes.            https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/inclusive-collections.html 

Summary:

Highlights the importance of building diverse and representative collections for children’s programs. Storytime helps shape how children see themselves and others. Choosing books that reflect the identities in our communities, while also introducing new perspectives, supports a sense of belonging and encourages understanding.

The article emphasizes that inclusive collections require intentional, ongoing effort. Librarians should regularly assess their materials to ensure a wide range of voices and experiences are represented, especially those that have been historically underrepresented. It also highlights useful tools such as curated booklists, review sources, and professional development opportunities to support inclusive selection and programming. A central idea is that books act as mirrors, windows, and doors, reflecting children’s lives, offering insight into others, and opening pathways to new experiences.

Overall, the article reminds us that inclusive storytime collections are built through thoughtful practice and play a key role in fostering empathy and connection.

Evaluation:

The article provides a clear and practical overview of why inclusive collections matter in children’s library services. It effectively connects theory to practice by focusing on storytime and how book choices influence children’s sense of identity and understanding of others. The “mirrors, windows, and doors” concept is used well as a simple guide for selecting materials.

A key strength is its emphasis on intentionality, presenting inclusive collection building as an ongoing responsibility. The inclusion of booklists, tools, and training resources makes it useful for librarians looking to improve their work. There is a generous list of resources to refer to when it comes to selection. However, the article stays at a general level. It offers limited guidance on how to evaluate collections in a systematic way and does not fully address challenges such as budget limits or community concerns.

Overall, it serves as a strong introduction that highlights the importance of inclusive practices, though additional detail would be helpful for deeper implementation.

How public librarians actually build collections

 Maklynn St. Clare, INFO 266

Gooding-Call, A. (2020, February 24). Public library collection development secrets, revealed: Behold the mystery of public library collection development. Book Riot. https://bookriot.com/public-library-collection-development/

Summary: Anna Gooding-Call explains how public librarians actually build collections. She shows that librarians can’t just follow their personal tastes or ideas of “quality,” because that would set dangerous precedents and exclude viewpoints when staff changes. Instead, they balance demand, circulation data, space limits, and community needs, often relying on professional review sources. Gooding-Call argues that public libraries must prioritize relevance, diversity, and use over stocking every “classic,” and that donations are usually handled according to policy rather than simply added to shelves.

Evaluation: The author made some good points about unknown considerations that librarians should keep in mind, rather than making random choices in collection development. The article was easy to understand and thought-provoking.

Tags: collection development, librarians, libraries, circulation data, community, diversity, donations, funding 

 

Rethinking Libraries for the Age of AI

 Slick, Becca

Sousa, N. M. T. (2025). Academic libraries as hubs of artificial intelligence competency. Discover Artificial Intelligence, 5(1), 221. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44163-025-00490-8 

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere right now, whether we’re using it for research, writing, or just everyday tasks. But in the article Academic Libraries as Hubs of Artificial Intelligence Competency, the author argues that libraries need to do more than just provide access to these tools. They should actually help people understand how AI works and how it shapes the information we rely on.

    For a long time, libraries have been seen as neutral spaces, places where information is organized and made available without bias. But this article pushes back on that idea. It argues that neutrality isn’t really possible anymore, especially when so much of the information we access is filtered through algorithms. Search engines, databases, and recommendation systems all play a role in deciding what we see (and what we don’t). And those systems aren’t neutral at all, they’re built by people and influenced by things like data choices, commercial interests, and existing biases.

    Because of this, the author says libraries need to step up and take a more active role.

    One of the main ideas in the article is AI literacy. Basically, this means helping people understand not just how to use AI tools, but how to think about them. That includes knowing how AI systems work (at least at a basic level), recognizing their limitations, and being able to question the results they produce. It’s not just about getting help on an assignment, it’s really about understanding how AI is shaping knowledge and decision-making in everyday life.

    This is where libraries come in. The article argues that libraries are actually in a great position to teach these skills. Instead of just helping students find sources, libraries could:

• show how algorithms influence search results
• talk about bias in AI systems
• encourage more critical thinking about information
• and highlight voices that might otherwise be overlooked

    In other words, libraries can become places where people learn how to navigate a world that’s increasingly run by AI.

    Of course, the article also points out that this isn’t easy. Libraries are dealing with budget cuts, reliance on commercial databases, and long-standing expectations to stay “neutral.” On top of that, not all librarians have training in AI, feel prepared to teach it, or refuse to learn about it altogether. But even with these challenges, the author argues that libraries have an important opportunity to evolve and stay relevant.

    At the end of the day, the article makes a pretty clear point: libraries can’t just be about access anymore, they need to be about understanding. In a world shaped by AI, that shift matters more than ever. 

Evaluation - I think this article brings up a really important issue, especially for those in an MLIS program. AI isn’t going away, and a lot of students are already using it without really thinking about how it works or what its limitations are. So the idea that libraries could help fill that gap makes a lot of sense.

    What stood out to me most was the argument about neutrality. Libraries have traditionally tried to stay neutral, but this article makes a good case that neutrality can actually be a problem. If we don’t question the systems we’re using, especially algorithm-driven ones, we’re basically just accepting whatever they give us. That’s not great, especially when bias and misinformation are real concerns.

    That said, the article is definitely a bit heavy in terms of language. Some of the wording (like “epistemic” concepts) makes it harder to read than it needs to be. I found myself having to slow down and reread parts, which might be a barrier for a broader audience. It also stays pretty theoretical, there aren’t a lot of concrete examples of libraries already doing this work, which would’ve helped make the ideas feel more practical.

    Overall though, I think the message is solid. Libraries have always been about supporting learning and access to knowledge, and this feels like a natural next step. If anything, this article is a reminder that our role as future librarians might be a lot more active, and a lot more important, than just managing collections.

 

Genrefying your Library Collection

 Krumme, Kelsey

Source: 

Sultanik, A. G. (2020). Genrefying the children’s fiction collection. School Library Research, 23. http://www.ala.org/aasl/slr/volume23/sultanik

The Study:

The article, "Genrefying the Children’s Fiction Collection" by Alyssa G. Sultanik, details a research study that looks at how organizing a school library's fiction collection by genre impacts student success and self-efficacy. Traditionally, school libraries use a "FIC" label system from the Dewey Decimal system. In this system the books are arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name, which can be difficult to navigate for young children who may know a topic (like dinosaurs) but not specific authors or the number within the Dewey Decimal system. The study observed the activity of students browsing using the original system to get a baseline. They also completed a Likert scale and interview to measure their confidence. The library was then "genrefied" into 11 categories (such as Adventure, Mystery, and Animal Fiction). The books were labeled with colors based on genre and there was signage posted as well. The observations were repeated using the new system.

Findings:

The findings showed that students could locate books significantly faster, with average search times dropping from eight minutes and thirty seconds to five minutes and thirty seconds. Qualitative data from interviews indicated a massive jump in positive sentiment, with 35 positive responses post-intervention compared to only 6 beforehand. Mapping data also revealed that students made fewer random stops and could navigate directly to sections of interest. Sultanik concludes that while genrefication is time-consuming, the benefits of reduced library anxiety and increased student independence outweigh the costs.

Evaluation and Opinion of the Research:

I think it is an important look at some of the possible benefits of genrefying. The study was of a very small sample size of only 5 students. It would be interesting to see the results from a wider pool of students from different areas and backgrounds. The students noted the that the color-coded stickers were a very helpful visual. This research provides a compelling, evidence-based argument for genrefication as a tool to empower young readers. By moving away from technical labels that "alienate patrons," the study demonstrates how school libraries can foster self-directed learning and a love for reading by making the collection more accessible and easy to navigate for children.

Too Many Books? How One Librarian Took Control of Her Library

 Stevens, Tyler

Source:
Montana State Library, (2024, October 4). 3 Keys to Collection Development [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbonz8Lnt0w

Summary: In this 58-minute seminar video hosted by the Montana State Library features Jonna Underwood, the Sheridan County Library Director in Plentywood, Montana. She shares her experience taking over the local public library from the previous director and frames it in the context of three key principles which she used to create a welcoming community space for her community, which are:

1. Quality vs Quantity: the primary issue with the library initially was an overcrowding of books, which led directly to issues such as an unaligned physical and digital catalog, literal decomposition of books, and a space that was not easily navigable for patrons.
2. 
   Know Your Patrons: Some larger collections which were rarely touched by the community (in this case, nonfiction) were deaccessioned from the library collection, spaces were created to invite patrons to engage with the material in the way they wanted to, and informal conversations with patrons identified favorite chunks of the collection (such as mystery/thriller/suspense).
3. Get Creative: Methods which Underwood used to inform her decision-making over this multi-year cleanup included visiting other libraries for curatorial inspiration, using book displays, a semi-regular newspaper column, and programming such as Blind Date With A Book (which she used to get patron feedback on less-used books to identify hidden gems and buried stinkers in the collection).

The seminar concludes with a Question & Answer session. One of the questions Underwood answered was on the subject of how the community responded to her efforts to clean up the clutter. She answered that the community didn't have much of a reaction beyond an acknowledgement that changes were happening. Underwood felt that the extension of trust by the community may have resulted partially from her own upbringing within the Plentywood community; the community might not have extended trust as easily if she had been a stranger to the community.

Evaluation: This seminar took my attention because my hometown is relatively close to Plentywood. I found it interesting that in order to handle the library collection, certain things needed to be removed, up to and including major pieces of furniture like entire bookshelves and collection chunks. For the latter, Underwood and her patrons would rely on library Connections in order to meet infrequent but specific needs. For example, she removed a significant amount of the nonfiction collection, shrinking it significantly and removing many books which were outdated or specific and seldom checked out by the community. Nonfiction as a subject was still kept available to researching community members through interlibrary loan, a library Connection to other libraries in the larger MSL network. In this way, Underwood was able to expand the physical space in the library so her patrons could more comfortably peruse the shelves without sacrificing the overall offerings of the library itself.

To reflect on my earlier post about Iceland, Underwood understands that there is a unique relationship between the human community and the objects within the library which they interact with; one of the neglected objects in this library was physical space. The lack of space made the library more difficult to navigate and directly impacted the accessibility of the items within the library collection. By increasing the space and introducing elements such as corner bean bags, Underwood strengthened the library's agency to impact the Plentywood community. Underwood understands that preservation and storage both have a cost, both financial and spacial. While both are limited, space defines the relationship the patrons have with the books. In other words, you can't have everything physically available, so you need to select what you need and make space for people to interact.

Case Study: Sorting Your Collection Into Chunks

Stevens, Tyler

Mímisson, K., & Ólafsson, D. (Eds.). (2025). Objects in the Archives: Modern Material Culture and Heritage in the North (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003350293

Runarsdottir, A. (2025). "In pursuit of modernity? On collecting and aesthetics in Iceland." Objects in the Archives: Modern Material Culture and Heritage in the North (1st ed.) 85-99. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003350293

Summary: Objects in the Archives is a collection of articles written by a team of historians, archaeologists, and archivists examining several collections which have been gathered by the National Archives of Iceland. Mímisson and his team's primary claim is that there exists a unique relationship between humans and the things which they gather; things possess a certain agency which transforms and informs the personality and identity of people they're around.

In the article by Runarsdottir, "In pursuit of modernity?" she examines this relationship while breaking down the National Archives' first collection, which was gathered by its first national antiquarian, Matthias Þórðarson. By breaking the collection down into chunks and assessing it in the context of Þórðarson's past, Runarsdottir examines the value judgements made in determining what should be kept and observed that many of his choices included items which aligned Iceland culture with Western modernist values. As an example, she notes that 18% of his collected artifacts were "costumes or clothing," with preference towards womenswear and finer clothing with beautiful embroidery over everyday clothing (which would have been passed down and worn down to their bare threads, but could have reasonably been collected) and claims that this was an intentional preservation choice made by Þórðarson to inform his message that Iceland should be considered as a respectable Western nation.

Evaluation: Our focus on collections development in this class is primarily in the discipline of librarianship. While this essay focuses primarily on collections in a museum context, Runarsdottir provides an excellent example of breaking down a comprehensive inventory of a multi-media collection into chunks as she evaluates the original collector's value judgements. She assesses the collection as a whole and identifies chunks which were considered significant, such as costumes and clothing (a general chunk). Runarsdottir further identifies specialized chunks like womenswear within costumes and clothing. The comprehensive breakdown alone makes this article valuable for our study of these concepts. This further connects to the larger anthology's hypothesis to elaborate on humanity's unique relationship with the objects around them by demonstrating how we use objects to project identity and define culture. Likewise, library collections have similar agency impact identity and define culture. It may be useful for us to consider books and collection chunks as possessing similar agency as Runarsdottir describes: being able to inform and transform using more than just the text on their pages. I will go further into this in a future blog post on 3 Keys to Collection Development.